Scott Bemand's Ireland will face the USA and Japan in September/October after their WXV Global Series fixtures were confirmed, with Tallaght Stadium set to host a women's Test match for the first time.

Johnny Holland says the pressure is on Leinster to deliver silverware on Friday night and expects then province to have too much firepower for the Bulls at Croke Park.

Two and a half weeks out from taking on the Wallabies in Sydney, Andy Farrell will name his squad for Ireland's inaugural Nations Championship campaign this Wednesday.

Given the injuries to Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle, it's arguable that Andrew Porter is the worst possible injury absence the province could have ahead of meeting the best scrum in the URC.

Leinster have been dealt a major blow ahead of Friday's BKT United Rugby Championship final against the Bulls, with Andrew Porter ruled out due to a calf injury.

Ireland will embark on a first ever tour of South Africa this October, as part of the 2026 WXV Global Series, it was announced today.

Awards are becoming so regular for Aoife Wafer that tournament organisers are having to find new ways of giving them to her.

Sana Govender will take over as head coach of the Leinster women's senior team ahead of this summer's Vodafone Interprovincial Championship, replacing the outgoing Ben Martin.

Handre Pollard has highlighted Jamison Gibson-Park as Leinster's biggest weapon, ahead of next week's URC Grand Final at Croke Park.

Ireland's Aoife Wafer has been crowned Guinness Women's Six Nations Player of the Championship for the second year running, it was announced today.

Bernard Jackman believes Munster have landed a "good operator" with the appointment of Jared Payne as their new attack coach for next season.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson, as we look back on Leinster's URC semi-final win against the Stormers, and break down the big stories of the week in Irish rugby.

Jo Yapp is tapping into the knowledge of Andy Farrell as she prepares to lead the maiden tour of the British and Irish Lions Women.

Munster have confirmed the appointment of former Ireland international Jared Payne as their new attack coach on a two-year deal, with Mossy Lawler signing a contract extension until 2028.

Maro Itoje has been left out of England's latest training squad to continue the uncertainty over his involvement in the Nations Championship next month.

Leinster and Ireland wing James Lowe has confirmed he will leave the province at the end of the season, after nine years in Irish rugby.

Leinster will get little credit if they win the United Rugby Championship in a fortnight, though they should be praised for sticking to their guns and overcoming their disappointment in Europe, should they get across the line against the Bulls.

The IRFU have announced the death of long-time chief executive Philip Browne, who has passed away at the age of 66.

South Africa assistant coach Tony Brown will join Dave Rennie's coaching ticket with New Zealand in 2028, the NZRU confirmed this evening.

Leinster could win another URC title without leaving Dublin, but all roads are still leading through South Africa for Leo Cullen's side.

Leo Cullen praised his team's resolve as Leinster came through a tense "arm-wrestle" with the Stormers to book their place in the Grand Final of the BKT United Rugby Championship.

For the second year in a row, Leinster will host the Bulls at Croke Park in the BKT United Rugby Championship final.

Leo Cullen's side are favourites to secure a place in the final as they look to retain their title.

Glasgow squandered a 21-3 lead as their United Rugby Championship hopes were quashed in a 22-21 semi-final defeat by the Bulls at Murrayfield.

Andy Farrell's new four-year contract, which will keep the Ireland head coach in charge for a third Rugby World Cup, is a major statement of intent, both from Farrell and the IRFU.

After a week dominated by Leo Cullen and Jacques Nienaber's press conferences, it's time for Leinster to do their talking on the pitch.

Munster have confirmed the appointment of Jimmy Duffy as their new forwards coach, with the Galway native signing a two-year deal from this summer.

Ireland prop Ellena Perry has announced her retirement from rugby at the age of 29.

Donal Lenihan previews Leinster's URC semi-final this weekend, and also plays tribute to the late Fergus Slattery, who died on Wednesday.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has signed a new contract with the IRFU.

Leo Cullen says he expects Jacques Nienaber to remain at Leinster next season, adding that his senior coach is "fully committed" to the province.

Joe McCarthy has been passed fit for Leinster's BKT United Rugby Championship semi-final with the Stormers on Saturday, but Dan Sheehan will miss due to injury.

Everything you need to know head of this weekend's BKT United Rugby Championship semi-finals, as Leinster take on the Stormers at Aviva Stadium.

Former Ireland rugby captain Fergus Slattery has died at the age of 77, his club Blackrock College RFC has announced.

Munster remain on the lookout for a high-profile tighthead prop signing, after their chief target, Tyrel Lomax, committed his future to New Zealand.

Bernard Jackman believes Leinster and Irish rugby will be poorer for the loss of James Lowe next season.

James Ryan says Leinster are on full alert for the Stormers with previous URC semi-final losses against South African opposition fresh in their minds.

James Ryan says Leinster are on full alert for the Stormers with previous URC semi-final losses against South African opposition fresh in their minds.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland to recap a week of high drama in Irish rugby, and the URC quarter-finals.

Losing Champions Cup finals doesn't get any easier, even if Leinster's latest heartbreak didn't have any of the late drama of their previous defeats.

Munster's quarter-final loss to the Bulls means that they can finally put an end to what was a testing season, both on and off the pitch.

Jacques Nienaber cast doubt on his future at Leinster in an explosive press conference on Monday, claiming he doesn't feel valued in Ireland.

Leinster are dealing with several injury doubts for Saturday's BKT United Rugby Championship semi-final with Stormers, with Joe McCarthy, Dan Sheehan, Tommy O'Brien, Rónan Kelleher, Garry Ringrose, Tadhg Furlong and Jordan Larmour all being monitored for knocks.

Leinster's opponents Stormers have been dealt a major blow ahead of Saturday's BKT United Rugby Championship semi-final, with star out-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu sidelined with a long-term ankle injury.

A defiant Leo Cullen sent out a message on Saturday night: If you have a problem with him, say it to his face.

The prospect of James Lowe leaving Leinster appears be getting more real after Leo Cullen again declined to comment on the winger's future following their URC quarter-final win over Lions.

There was no post-Bilbao hangover for Leinster as they made light work of a tired Lions side, 59-10, to secure their place in the semi-finals of the United Rugby Championship

Leinster hosted the Lions at Aviva Stadium looking to book their place in the semi-finals of the BKT United Rugby Championship. Relive all the action here.

Munster's season came to an end after a 45-14 United Rugby Championship quarter-final defeat to Bulls in Pretoria.

Read how it all unfolded as the Balls ran out convincing winner against an understrength Munster outfit